Fourth Week in April
On April 23, 1999, Fernando Tatis of the St. Louis Cardinals wore the helmet pictured here when he achieved a Major League rarity. Playing in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Tatis became the first player in big league history to hit two grand slams in the same inning. Tatis connected twice in the third inning at Dodger Stadium, with both blasts coming against right-hander Chan Ho Park. Curiously, Tatis had not hit a single grand slam in his Major League career prior to his outburst against the Dodgers. "I can't believe it happened," Tatis told reporters. "I've never been a home run hitter. I just try to meet the ball. I'm not like Mark McGwire." Tatis' eight runs batted in, which also established a record for most RBIs in one inning, led the Cardinals to a 12-5 rout of the Dodgers. After the game, Tatis generously donated his batting helmet to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.